Summary of "Here's the Scoop" Podcast Episode: Camp Mystic Girl Describes Surviving Texas Floods

Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian
Podcast: Here's the Scoop by NBC News

1. Introduction to the Texas Flood Catastrophe

In this emotionally charged episode, Yasmin Vossoughian delves into the devastating floods that have struck Central Texas, particularly focusing on the tragedy at Camp Mystic. The death toll from the floods has tragically surpassed 100 individuals, with bodies being discovered as far as 20 miles from their initial locations swept by the relentless floodwaters. Yasmin sets the stage by highlighting the grief permeating tight-knit communities and the relentless efforts of rescue teams amid fading hope.

Yasmin Vossoughian (00:34):
"In these tight-knit communities, grief is everywhere, for children, for friends, for neighbors. Five days out and hope is fleeting."

2. Survivor Story: Lucy and Her Mother

The heart of the episode centers around an interview with Lucy, a 10-year-old survivor of the Camp Mystic floods, and her mother. Hosted by co-host Morgan Chesky, who is a resident of Kerrville, Texas, the conversation offers a poignant glimpse into the harrowing experience endured by Lucy and her family.

Morgan Chesky (01:42):
"Earlier today, I did have a chance to speak with Win Kennedy and her daughter Lucy. Now, Lucy's only 10 years old. She survived the flooding at Camp Mystic."

Lucy’s Experience at Camp Mystic:

Lucy's recounting begins with the onset of the flood on the Fourth of July. She describes waking up to ominous thunder and a gut feeling of impending disaster. Despite initial reassurances from counselors that it was merely light rain, the situation swiftly escalated, forcing evacuations and eventual rescue by helicopter.

Lucy (03:02):
"I woke up to, like, really loud thunder, and I couldn't fall back asleep because, like, I just had a gut feeling that something bad was about to happen."

Evacuation Process:

The evacuation was chaotic and frightening. Lucy details the harrowing moments of moving to the second floor of rec hall, waiting until sunrise, and finally being airlifted to safety. The emotional toll is evident as she reflects on witnessing her friend Greta being swept away.

Lucy (05:57):
"It was super pretty, but it was also not pretty at the same time. Cause, like, everything looked like, flooded and broken. So it was also, like, kind of sad."

Reunion and Aftermath:

Upon rescue, Lucy was reunited with her mother, enveloped in blankets and holding a teddy bear provided by volunteers. The emotional reunion underscores the relief and lingering sorrow of the ordeal.

E's Mother (07:57):
"When I saw her, she was wrapped up in a blanket and had a teddy bear some volunteers gave all the girls when they got off. And we just held each other tight and I hold her all night, just. Just so grateful to God, you know."

Reflection and Support:

Both Lucy and her mother express their ongoing grief for those still missing and the collective effort to support each other during this unimaginable time.

Lucy (09:02):
"I just like pray that their daughters are okay and like if like they're in like heaven, just that they're like they're watching over their families."

E's Mother (09:19):
"I think that is beautiful."

3. Rescue Efforts: Huntley Dantzler's Leadership

Transitioning from personal stories, Yasmin introduces Huntley Dantzler, a local construction business owner who has taken a leading role in organizing volunteer rescue efforts. Huntley's firsthand experience and dedication provide insight into the ongoing search operations.

Yasmin Vossoughian (11:31):
"At this point, it's still unclear how many people they're even looking for. Rescuers are digging through children's clothes and kayaks, combing the area for any survivors, Huntley Dantzler among them."

Huntley Dantzler on Day One:

Huntley recounts the immediate response following the flood, rallying friends and volunteers to commence search and rescue missions despite personal risks.

Huntley Dantzler (12:03):
"I had no choice. I had to implement myself into being there and what I could do to help the people that were around me."

Organizing Volunteers:

The scale of volunteer involvement grew rapidly, with Huntley coordinating over 165 individuals within the first few days. He emphasizes the camaraderie and relentless determination driving the search efforts.

Huntley Dantzler (12:56):
"I know just by looking at the footprints that the people that are out there looking, they're doing every single possible thing that they can to find someone."

Challenges Faced:

Huntley discusses the daunting conditions faced by rescuers, including treacherous mudslides and extreme heat, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the mission.

Huntley Dantzler (14:02):
"There’s so much mud that we slide everywhere we go. And then now we're fighting the heat today. It's getting worse."

Commitment to Recovery:

Beyond immediate rescue operations, Huntley expresses his commitment to rebuilding the community, underscoring the long-term impact of the floods.

Huntley Dantzler (14:30):
"When that's done over with, I will be a part of the community building back all the way from the beginning all the way to the end."

4. Ongoing Search and Community Resilience

The episode highlights the continuous efforts despite the challenges, emphasizing the resilience and unity of the Central Texas communities. Volunteers like Huntley remain steadfast in their mission, offering hope amidst devastation.

Yasmin Vossoughian (14:56):
"Huntley Dantzler, thank you so much for the work that you're continuing to do down there and for sharing a little bit of your time with us. We are really appreciative."

5. Conclusion

Yasmin wraps up the episode by acknowledging the ongoing nature of the disaster response and the collective spirit of those affected. The episode serves as a testament to human resilience and the profound impact of community support in the face of natural calamities.

Key Takeaways:

• Scale of Devastation: Over 100 lives lost with many still missing in the Central Texas floods.
• Personal Stories: Lucy's survival story highlights the human aspect of the tragedy.
• Community Effort: Huntley Dantzler's leadership exemplifies the significant volunteer involvement in rescue operations.
• Resilience and Hope: Despite overwhelming loss, the community remains united in search and recovery efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Yasmin Vossoughian (00:34):
  "In these tight-knit communities, grief is everywhere, for children, for friends, for neighbors."

• Lucy (05:57):
  "It was super pretty, but it was also not pretty at the same time... kind of sad."

• Huntley Dantzler (12:56):
  "They're doing every single possible thing that they can to find someone."

This episode of "Here's the Scoop" powerfully captures the tragic events of the Texas floods through personal narratives and on-the-ground reporting, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the disaster's impact and the heroic efforts undertaken to mitigate it.